Rahim on Human Nature

It is almost amazing to look and study the various facets of Rahim’s writing. These show his various moods which are almost conflicting. Interestingly, we will be able to notice the divergence as we read on the various topics that he has written on. Again, like the previous set of Dohas, we will come across some exceptional set of examples used to illustrate the importance of various qualities and some eternal truths of life.

The art of forgiving

Translation: Rahim says it is the duty of the elders to forgive and the children or young ones to riot or commit mistakes. Forgiving is an art that every elder must possess so that the inexperienced learn from them. By forgiving no human becomes small. So, it is responsibility of the elders to forgive and let go.

He says, when Bhrigu kicked Lord Vishnu, instead of getting offended, Lord Vishnu only smiled and forgave him. As a result of which the followers of Bhrigu, still worship only Lord Vishnu.

By this illustration, Rahim says that it is indeed the duty of elders to practice, preach and teach the art of forgiving to the young ones.

The art of submitting in order to receive

Translation: Rahim says, it isn’t always that a person bends in front of others to show his/her politeness. Taking a remarkable example he says, a cheetah bends down or steps back to attack, a thief bends down to make a hole in the owner’s wall to steal, and a person who is using a bow and arrow bends down so as to put the arrow on the bow and aim.

By this illustration, Rahim puts to show his experience in politics and the shrewd policies that he has come across in his life.

Anger: emotion that can ruin

Translation: Rahim says that people should forgo anger and the dangerous feeling of rage and be polite to others. He preaches that being rude will not help in getting work done but being polite will. It is very effective to influence people with sweet words rather than words filled with bitterness!

This illustration again shows his sense of practicality and his abilities as a politician.

Equality: the essence of life

Translation: Rahim says, people should not put aside anything small in front of something big; he uses this example of a needle and a sword, saying that a sword cannot do a needle’s work.

By this illustration, Rahim says that no matter what shape and size, everything is of equal utility. If this couplet had to be taken in humanitarian terms, every human being has his or her own importance irrespective of their designation and status.

Note from the author: I resume with a heartfelt apology for the delay in this new article. I am also grateful for the support and motivation that I received in the form of your comments for my previous article on Rahim. Please feel free to offer comments and corrections below. Thank you!

The author is doing her graduation in Mass Communication and aspires to become a journalist. This blog is her first step in the journey towards her destination. One of my favorite subjects is poems and writings of the Indian poets back from the Mughal Era and before. Their writings are not only religious or spiritual but also have a great sense of practicality.